Fiber optic drop cable assembly and preconnectorized cable assembly

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic cable assembly or termination system is preconnectorized and may include different combinations of collars, crimp bands, and clamp assemblies to improve functionality of the arrangement.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/944,433 filed onApr. 3, 2018, now allowed, which claims the priority benefit of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 62/491,366, filed Apr. 28, 2017, theentire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference. In addition, the inventor is also a named inventor of U.S.Ser. No. 15/378,700, filed Dec. 14, 2016, (US2017/0176693, publishedJun. 22, 2017), now allowed, the entire disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to cable assemblies, and more particularly totermination systems or cable assemblies and pre-connectorized assembliesassociated with a fiber-optic network.

Incorporating a connector between drop cables typically requires anumber of individual components. It is important that the componentsproperly interconnect with one another in order to provide a desiredconnection at the end of the cable, for example, that may be easilyinterfaced with an associated connection, such as a bulkhead or thelike.

The connector is oftentimes secured to the terminal end of a cable,sometimes referred to as a drop cable in the fiber optic networkindustry. Installation of the associated assembly provides for a dustcap, for example, that is tethered to the remainder of the assembly, andis selectively received on and removed from the optical tip located atthe terminal end of the cable. It is important that the dust cap besealingly received over the terminal end of the cable, namely theoptical tip. Further, adequate strain relief is required so that theforces can be transmitted to the surrounding cable jacket and notimpinge on the data transmitting fiber housed in the cable.

A need exists for an improved arrangement that provides at least one ormore of the above-described features, as well as still other featuresand benefits.

SUMMARY

An improved drop cable is provided in which a metal crimp member isreceived over the outer surface of the cable jacket, and subsequentlymechanically deformed or crimped into a desired configuration that isadvantageously incorporated into the clamp assembly associated with thestrain relief and pre-connectorized assembly. The metal crimp member mayinclude a single tab or ear formed (crimped) on a periphery thereof, oralternatively may include more than one tab or ear formed on a peripheryof the metal crimp member when crimped into place on the jacketed cable.

A two-piece clamp housing grips the tab(s)/ear(s) of the metal crimpmember to locate the clamp at the desired axial location on the cable inorder to provide desired strain relief.

The crimp member is axially spaced from the connector.

The clamp housing is configured to engage the crimp member and preventaxial movement of the clamp housing relative to the cable, preferablythrough inclusion of a recess formed in the housing portion dimensionedto receive a portion of the crimp member ear.

The clamp housing is also configured to prevent rotational movement ofthe clamp housing relative to the cable.

An elastic member, such as a flexible o-ring, is used in one embodimentto retain first and second clamp housing portions together.

In another embodiment, a second crimp member is located adjacent thefirst crimp member and likewise to form or crimped to mechanicallyengage a perimeter portion of the cable.

The connector may be a one-piece construction or formed from first andsecond portions matingly joined together.

A fastener club including first and second legs and an interconnectingbight portion retain the first and second clamp housing portionstogether.

A gauge provided to assist with assembly of a field installable cableassembly. The gauge includes a first region the receiver crimp member, asecond region that demarcates desired length of a fiber, cladding,buffer tube, and/or fiber jacket, and a third region that positions thecrimp member relative to a connector on a perimeter of the cable andorients the crimp member for receipt of the clamp housing thereon.

Benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become moreapparent from reading and understanding the following detaileddescription

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector at an initialstage of assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector at a laterstage of assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified crimp member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the modified crimp member of FIG. 3 at alater stage of assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector receiving atwo-part strain relief clamp assembly and a retaining O ring.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 2 withthe assembled strain relief.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the fiber optic connectorincorporated into a cable assembly.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the two-part strain reliefclamp assembly received over the modified crimp member of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the terminal end of thepolished end of the fiber of the cable assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled fiber optic cableassembly with the dust cap removed to expose the terminal end of thecable assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10 with the dust capinstalled on the terminal end of the cable assembly to protect thepolished end of the fiber.

FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of another fiber opticconnector incorporated into a cable assembly.

FIG. 13 shows the collar on the cable assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of another fiber opticconnector incorporated into a cable assembly.

FIG. 15 shows the collar on the cable assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of another fiber opticconnector incorporated into a cable assembly.

FIG. 17 shows the collar on the cable assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an exploded, perspective view of another fiber opticconnector with a two-piece collar incorporated into a cable assembly.

FIG. 19 shows the collar on the cable assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an exploded, perspective view of another fiber opticconnector incorporated into a cable assembly.

FIG. 21 shows the collar on the cable assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an exploded, perspective view of another fiber opticconnector incorporated into a cable assembly, and particularly anarrangement that is field installable.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of a terminal end of theassembled cable assembly of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 particularlyillustrating the two part clamp arrangement that cooperates with a crimphaving two ears.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 during afurther stage of assembly.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cable assembly of FIG. 22 with thedust cap removed and tethered to the assembly.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the cable assembly of FIG. 22 with thedust cap covering the terminal end of the cable assembly.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a gage to facilitate field assembly of,for example, the cable assembly of FIG. 22.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the underside of the gage of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 28 with component portionsof the cable assembly received in selected portions/stations of thegage.

FIGS. 31-33 are front plan, side, and bottom elevational views of thegage of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a termination system for a fiber optic cable or drop cableassembly 100 with a fiber-optic connector 102 on a terminal end thereof.Fiber-optic connector 102 is typically a pre-manufactured component thatpositions a terminal end of a bare fiber (e.g., cladding, jacket, cablestripped therefrom) at the end for receipt in a connector or collar thatis in turn adapted for engagement with a receptacle, housing, etc. (notshown). The termination system includes a band or crimp member 104 thatis dimensioned for and circumferentially received around a portion ofthe fiber optic cable 100 at a preselected location axially spaced fromthe connector 102. The crimp member 104 (typically a metal crimp member)is shown in an undeformed or uncrimped state in FIG. 1, and issubsequently mechanically deformed or crimped by forming at least oneradially outward extending ear 106 and reducing the cross-section of thecrimp member into tight mechanical gripping engagement with the externalsurface of the fiber optic cable 100 as shown in FIG. 2.

In the crimped arrangement of FIG. 2, the crimp band 104 andparticularly the extending shoulder or ear 106 is used for locating andmounting additional components of the termination system for the cableassembly as will become more apparent below. The crimp ear 106 isdimensioned to extend outwardly (e.g., radially outward) from theremainder of the crimp member 104, and likewise extends outwardly fromthe outer surface of the cable 100. Alternatively, the crimp member/band114 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a pair of outwardly extendingshoulders or ears 116 that serve the same purpose as the individual ear106 of FIG. 2. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, the terminationsystem further includes a strain relief arrangement or clamp housing 118that is mounted over the crimped band 104 (or crimped band 114). Morespecifically, the clamp housing 118 includes first and secondcooperating clamp housing portions 120, 122. The two split clamp housingportions 120, 122 are shown as clamp member halves that are preferablyidentical, mirror images of one another to facilitate manufacture,inventory, and use, although as will become more apparent below, theclamp housing portions 120, 122 may be dissimilar. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 5-6, each clamp housing portion 120, 122 has a generally U-shapedconformation where the U-shape conforms over the crimped band 104 andthe cross-sectional configuration of the fiber-optic cable 100. That is,the inner, annular surface portions of each clamp housing portionincludes a recess configured to receive the crimp member therein, andparticularly configured to closely receive the crimp member ear(s) toprevent relative movement (both rotational and axial) between theassembled clamp housing portion and the crimp member that ismechanically fixed to the perimeter of the cable 100. As is also evidentin FIGS. 1-6, the cable 100 in these arrangements has a non-roundcross-sectional shape or conformation that further limits rotationalmovement of the clamp housing portions 120, 122 relative to the cable.Preferably, the inner surface of one or both of the clamp members form arecess or cavity(ies) that receive the ear(s) 106 (116) of the crimpmember/band 104 (114) so that when the clamp housing portions are heldtogether, either by themselves or with the additional use of a retainingmember 130 such as elastic member or o-ring (see FIG. 5-6), the clamphousing assembly is secured against axial movement relative to thecrimped band and likewise relative to the fiber-optic cable 100. Thatis, the conformation of the interior cavity of the clamp member(s) 120,122 conforms around the outwardly extending ear 106 of the crimpmember/band 104 to limit rotational and axial movement of the clamphousing 118. Thus, the crimp member/band 104 tightly grips the outersurface of the cable assembly 100 and axially and circumferentiallyfixes the clamp arrangement 118 as a result of the mechanical interlockbetween the recess(es) formed in the clamp member(s) and the ear(s)106/116 of the band.

As more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fiber optic cable100 is incorporated into the termination system or connector assembly150. The termination system/connector assembly 150 further includes, forexample, a sealing tube 160 received over the cable 100 that includes areduced diameter portion 162 and an enlarged diameter portion 164preferably located at one end thereof. The large diameter portion 164 isadapted to cover a first or proximal end of the clamp housing assembly120, 122 once it has been assembled on the crimp member/band 104. A sealring 166 is received over an external surface of the enlarged diameterportion 164 of the tube 160.

A boot/sleeve 170 is also received over the cable 100 and is axiallylocated adjacent coupling nut 172. The coupling nut 172 has a first ordistal end that preferably includes an external thread 174, and includestool flats 176 at the other end that allow a tool such as a wrench (notshown) to engage the coupling nut and facilitate make-up of the cableconnector assembly 150. The thread 174 of the coupling nut 172cooperates with internal threads (not shown) formed on an inner diameterportion of a collar or adapter 180, specifically at a first or proximalend 182 thereof. An external annular surface 184 of the collar 180 has areduced diameter that receives one or more seal rings 186 at the firstend 182 of the collar. The seal rings 186 prevent intrusion of moisturebetween the collar 180 and the coupling 172 when the components arethreaded together.

Strap or tether 190 includes a first attachment or ring portion 192 thatis positioned over the boot/sleeve 170 and has an inner opening 194 lessthan an outer dimension of the coupling nut 172 (see FIGS. 10-11). Asecond ring portion 196 is mounted or secured to dust cover 200.Further, the dust cover 200 preferably includes an internally threadedregion at first end 202 that cooperates with external threads 204 on thecollar 180. Consequently, when the dust cover 200 is removed fromengagement with the collar 180, and thus exposing a terminal end of theoptical fiber 210 encased within buffer tube 212 (FIG. 9) of the fiberoptic cable 100 that extends slightly axially outward from the remainderof the collar, the strap 190 retains the dust cover for ease ofre-mounting on the exposed end of the fiber optic cable 100 if the cableis disconnected (FIGS. 10-11).

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate slight modifications in a second version ofthe termination system/cable connector assembly. Like reference numeralsin this embodiment (and likewise in to be described additionalembodiments) will be used to refer to like components, while newreference numerals will refer to the specific new features that varyfrom the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11. It will also be appreciated thatmodifications made in one of the alternative embodiments described belowmay be used in combination with one or more of the modifications made inothers of the alternative embodiments, or with components/featuresdescribed in connection with the previously described embodiment.Particularly, in FIG. 12, the two-piece clamp housing assembly isslightly modified so that one of the first and second clamp housingportions 220, 222 is modified in a manner that completely encompasses orsurrounds the cable 100 so that an opening 224 (for example at one end)formed in the one component (shown here as clamp housing portion 222)completely encircles the outer surface of the cable 100 and the clamphousing portion must be slid into position over the cable. The otherclamp housing portion still cooperates to enclose the crimp member(s)104 therein and axially locate the connector assembly 150 on the cable100. The clamp housing portions 220, 222 together define a recess thatclosely conforms to the radially extending ear 106 (or pair of ears) ofthe crimp member 104 to prevent relative movement between the clamphousing portions and the crimp member that is mechanically deformed intogripping engagement with the outer perimeter of the cable 100. Further,the collar 130 is modified at a distal end to include a pair of angledsidecuts or recesses 230.

In FIGS. 14-15, first and second crimp members 240, 242 are provided onthe cable 100, and suitably mechanically deformed or crimped on eitherone or diametrically opposite sides in a manner akin to that previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, Suitable modification ismade to at least one of the two-piece clamp housing portions 120, 122for engagement with the ears 106 of the first and second clamp bands240, 242. Collar 250 is also a modification over the previouslyillustrated one-piece collar of the earlier arrangement such that thecollar in FIG. 14 is a two-piece assembly comprising a first component252 and a second component 254. The collar component 252 is modified ata first or proximal end 256 to completely encase (i.e.,circumferentially enclose) those portions of the connector 102 and clampportions 120, 122 received therein, and the second collar component 254is suitably manufactured to complete the circumferential encapsulationaround the connector 102.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate an alternative, hinged clamp housing 270 thatincludes a first portion 272 hinged to a second portion 272 along ahinge 274. The hinge 274 also serves to join the first and second clamphousing portions 270, 272 together for ease of handling, although suchan arrangement does require sliding the hinge 274 over the externalsurface of the cable 100 before the crimp member 104 is positioned inplace. Here, the hinge 274 of the clamp housing portions 270, 272 isoriented in perpendicular relation relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe cable, although as will become apparent below, a hinge can beoriented parallel to the longitudinal axis if so desired.

In FIGS. 18-19, the two-piece clamp housing portions 280, 282 aremodified to have a greater axial length 284 or a different outerconfiguration so that the clamp housing portions engage (interfit or arekeyed to) the collar 180. As a result, the modified clamp housingportions 280, 282 engage the front collar 180 and prevent relativerotation or cable twist, as well as to limit separation of the collarfrom the remainder of the assembly 150. Further, the collar 180 isdefined by two pieces 286, 288 each having respective internal andexternal thread portions 290, 292, for example, that allow the twopieces to be threaded together (axially separated components that aresubsequently axially joined by threading the components together). Aseal ring 294 is also provided to limit potential moisture ingressbetween the collar pieces 286, 288.

In FIGS. 20-21, a modified one piece collar 300 includes one or moreexternal grooves 302 extending axially from the first, distal end toexternally threaded region 204 of the collar. This limits rotation ofthe collar 300 relative to the female end of an adjacent connectorassembly (not shown).

FIGS. 22-27 illustrate a termination system/connector assembly that isadvantageously field installable. Particularly, many of the componentsare structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to one or moreof the embodiments described above (for example, compare FIG. 7 and FIG.22). Therefore, the following description relating to FIGS. 22-27focuses on the differences associated with the field installableconnector and other features that are identical or substantially similarare not described herein for purposes of brevity. The field installableassembly includes a fiber optic cable 500 and a standard connector 502that terminates an optical fiber in a manner well known in the art. Acrimp member 504 includes at least one ear 506 or a pair of ears whenthe crimp member is mechanically deformed into gripping engagement withan outer surface of the cable. First and second clamp housing portions520, 522 mate together and are received over the crimp member 504,operatively engaging one or more ears 506 thereof, to prevent movementof the clamp housing portion relative to the crimp member and thusrelative to the cable 500 since the crimp member is fixed to the outersurface of the cable. A tube such as a heat shrinkable, sealing tube 560is positioned over the cable 500 and ultimately received over the clamphousing portions and connector 502, as well as other components of theassembly. For example, the tube 560 includes a reduced diameter portion562 and an enlarged diameter portion 564 adapted to cover at least oneend of the clamp assembly 520. Seal ring 566 is received over anexternal surface of the enlarged diameter portion 564.

A boot/sleeve 570 is received over the cable 500 and located axiallyadjacent coupling nut 572. The coupling nut 572 has a first or distalend that includes an external thread 574, and tool flats 576 on anexternal surface thereof that receive a tool such as a wrench to engagethe coupling nut and facilitate makeup of the assembly. Threads 574 ofthe coupling nut 572 cooperate with internal threads (not shown) formedon an inner diameter portion of a collar or adapter 580, specifically ata first or proximal end 582. An external annular surface 584 of thecollar 580 has a reduced diameter that receives at least one seal oro-ring 586 at the first end 582 of the collar. The seal rings 586prevent intrusion of moisture between the collar 580 and the coupling572 when the components are threaded together.

Strap or tether 590 includes ring portions 592, 594 to connect the dustcover 600 to the coupling nut 572 (FIGS. 22, 26, and 27). The dust cover600 includes an internally threaded region at a first end 602 (FIG. 26)that cooperates with external threads 574 on the coupling nut 572.

When the clamp housing is inserted into the first end 582 of the collar580, wedge or ramp portions 620, 622 provided on the outer surfaces ofthe respective clamp housing portions 520, 522 cooperate with a clip 630to retain the collar and complete makeup with the remainder of theassembly. Specifically, clip 630 (FIGS. 22 and 25) is generally U-shapedand includes first and second legs 632, 634 interconnected by a bightregion 636 to form a spring clip. The legs 632, 634 of the spring clip630 are received in an external groove 640 on the collar 580. When theclamp housing with the connector 502 received therein is inserted intothe collar 580, wedge portions 620, 622 expand the legs 632, 634 againstthe spring bias of the legs and urge the legs outwardly. Externalgrooves 642 644 (located axially behind the wedge portions) receive thespring clip legs where the natural resilience of the spring clip legsurge the legs radially inwardly from the larger dimension experiencedtraveling over the wed portions and then are received in the externalgrooves and thereby secure the clamp housing to the collar.

FIGS. 28-33 illustrate a gage 700 that facilitates makeup of the fieldinstallable assembly of FIGS. 22-27. Particularly, a first recess 702 isdimensioned to receive a crimp member 504 and can be used to store thecrimp member on the gage 700. In a first station 704 (Step 1), steppedrecess 706 is dimensioned to receive the terminal end of the fiber-opticcable 500. Suitable dimensioning is printed on the face of the gage 700to instruct the user with regard to removal of the components such ascladding, buffer tube, etc. from the cable 500 and expose apredetermined length of optical fiber. At a second station 708 (Step 2)on the gage 700, stepped recess 710 is dimensioned to receive theconnector 502 and likewise align the previously exposed optical fiber(at the terminal end of the cable 500) from the first station 704(Step 1) for precise, axial insertion into the connector 502. Theterminated end of the cable 500 is joined to the connector 502 in aconventional manner. In a third station 712 provided on the gage 700, amulti-step recess 714 is configured to receive the terminal end of thecable 500 joined to the connector 502 from the second station 708 sothat the crimp member can only be received in a certain, prescribedorientation, i.e., with the crimp region thereof facing upwardly, toallow the user to form the ear 506 on the crimp member 504. Once the ear506 of the crimp member 504 is mechanically deformed into grippingengagement with the perimeter surface of the cable 500, the connectorand terminal end of the optical fiber are joined together at thedesired, precise locations relative to one another. Further, enlargedportion 710 b of the recess allows the user to manipulate theboot/sleeve 574 for axial receipt over the first or proximal end of theconnector 502 (FIG. 30). Although not a separate station on the gauge700, further instructions 720 are provided on the gage to illustrate tothe user how to complete field makeup of the assembly (e.g.,illustrations showing receipt of the clamp housing portions 520, 522over the ear of the crimp member, insertion of the connector into thecollar 580.

This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the disclosure. Other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the inventionif they have structural elements that do not differ from the sameconcept, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences.

What is claimed is:
 1. A termination system for an associated fiberoptic cable assembly having an associated, elongated cable that extendsalong a longitudinal, first axis, and includes an associated opticalfiber therein, the termination system comprising a connector configuredfor receipt around the associated cable and a terminal end of theassociated optical fiber; a crimp member configured for fixed receipt onan external surface of the associated cable and having at least a firstear extending outwardly from the associated cable; and a clamp housingincluding first and second clamp housing portions at least partiallyreceived around the crimp member, and together configured tocircumferentially surround the associated cable, at least the firstclamp housing portion configured to mechanically engage the ear of thecrimp member and prevent relative movement therebetween.
 2. Thetermination system of claim 1 wherein the crimp member is axially spacedfrom the connector.
 3. The termination system of claim 1 wherein thecrimp member includes a second ear extending outwardly from theassociated cable and at least the first clamp housing is configured tomechanically engage the second ear of the crimp member and preventrelative movement therebetween.
 4. The termination system of claim 1wherein the at least first clamp housing portion is configured toprevent axial movement of the clamp housing relative to the associatedcable.
 5. The termination system of claim 4 wherein the at least firstclamp housing portion is configured to prevent rotational movement ofthe clamp housing relative to the associated cable.
 6. The terminationsystem of claim 1 wherein the at least first clamp housing portion isconfigured to prevent rotational movement of the clamp housing relativeto the associated cable.
 7. The termination system of claim 1 furthercomprising an elastic member for retaining the first and second clamphousing portions together.
 8. The termination system of claim 1 whereinthe first and second clamp housing portions are hinged together along ahinge region that is configured for orientation oriented (i) parallel toor (ii) perpendicular to an axis of the associated cable, and allows theclamp housing portions to join together over the crimp member and abouta perimeter region of the associated cable.
 9. The termination system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second crimp member located adjacent thefirst crimp member.
 10. The termination system of claim 1 wherein theconnector includes first and second portions that are matingly joinedtogether.
 11. The termination system of claim 1 further comprising aclip having first and second legs and a bight portion interconnectingthe legs, the clip legs retaining the first and second clamp housingportions together.
 12. The termination system of claim 1 wherein thecrimp member is configured to extend about an entire perimeter region ofthe associated cable that compresses into a perimeter of the associatedcable and reduces a cross-section of the associated cable beneath thecrimp member and fixes the crimp member from movement relative to theassociated cable, the first ear extending radially outward from an outersurface of the associated cable.
 13. The termination system of claim 12wherein the crimp member includes a second ear extending radiallyoutwardly from the associated cable at a location approximatelydiametrically opposite from the first ear.
 14. The termination system ofclaim 1 wherein the first and second clamp housing portions each includea recess formed therein dimensioned to receive a portion of the firstear therein to limit relative axial movement between the clamp housingand the crimp member.
 15. The termination system of claim 1 wherein thefirst clamp housing portion includes a complete annulus for receiptabout an entire perimeter of the associated cable, an opening formed inthe annulus dimensioned for sliding receipt over the associated cable.16. The termination system of claim 1 wherein the connector includesfirst and second connector portions that together are configured toencompass an entire perimeter portion of the associated cable.
 17. Thetermination system of claim 1 wherein the connector includes first andsecond connector portions each having a central passage therethroughconfigured to receive the associated cable, and wherein the first andsecond connector portions include mating joinder elements for joiningthe connector portions with a seal member received therebetween.
 18. Thetermination system of claim 1 further comprising a groove in theconnector that receives first and second legs of a U-shaped clip joinedby a bight portion and configured for insertion into the connectorgroove in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the associated cable.19. The termination system of claim 18 wherein the first and secondclamp housing portions include wedge-shaped ramps along external surfaceregions thereof that cooperate with the first and second legs of theclip to limit relative axial movement between the connector and theclamp housing portions.
 20. A gage for assisting with assembly of afield installable cable assembly, the gage comprising: a first regionthat receives a crimp member; a second region that demarcates desiredlengths of a fiber, fiber jacket, cladding, or buffer tube; and a thirdregion that positions the crimp member relative to a connector on aperimeter of the cable and orients the crimp member for receipt of theclamp housing thereon.